Anyone use Sylvan Learning Centers?

[BriarfoxinWA]

My DS8 has trouble with writing essays - yes he's only 3rd grade - but they have to be able to do this for the WASL test next year. He has asked me if he could go to Sylvan to have them help him with his school work. I'm all for it and have an appointment with them for him to be tested in 2 weeks.

Has anyone had any experience with them? Just wondering if they are as good as they advertise that they are.

 

[mt2]

My SIL works for them. She teaches English. She loves meeting with the parents to discuss the improvements their child has made. Sylvan wants to make her a Director of the center (after 4 months) but she doesn't want the job. She just wants to teach.

My Niece goes there and has improved her skills by 6 months (she has been in the program for only 1 month). Her confidence has also improved.

If your DS is asking to go, it couldn't hurt. It is pricey though so be prepared.

mt2

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I got the price quote and my DH about croaked! But I figure it's worth it if he can improve...

 

[tinaluis]

Sylvan is very expensive! Awhile back there was a thread here on the CB discussing the cost vs. what they actually pay the teachers. Can the school give you any recommendations, maybe some type of tutoring program? Or is there, perhaps, someone in your community (maybe a retired teacher or even a teacher soon to be off for summer vacation) who might be a little less expensive?
HTH
Tina

 

[becjlek]

We used Sylvan and were very happy. It is expensive but we looked at it as an investment in our son.

 

[lsyorke]

I used Sylvan for math for my then 8th grader. Expensive, but so worth it. Within 4 months they had him doing math above his grade level with a much better understanding that has continued through high school. Can't say enough good about them.

 

[geetey]

Our school recommended against Sylvan because the teaching approach was so different from the school's approach. With my dd's learning disability, they felt she would be more confused by hearing two different approaches (one at school, one at Sylvan). They gave us a list of approved tutors and we selected one that was a very good fit. The charge was $30 a hour.

For something such as you are describing (improving a skill - not learning a skill), I think Sylvan could be a good choice, especially since your ds is interested. Good luck!

 

[Sandy22]

I used a similar learning centre and wasn't all that impressed with it. I was expecting more one on one with each student. Instead my DS12 was in a group of 5 other students of various ages. I think private tutoring is better and probably costs the same.

 

[bcnb103]

I had my oldest foster child go to sylvan for math and english. She improved a bunch using it and they had her do their work books but she was also able to bring in her school stuff to work on. They also helped her with organizational skills.
She enjoyed it. She was 16 and the incentives they had for her helped too. She most likely would still be going but funding ran out. It is very expensive and the private agency that was paying for it thought they could do more little things for more children if they stopped paying on this.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Thanks for all of the replies. My Dh still isn't crazy about it - because of the cost - but we can afford it. Actually I should say - I feel that we can't afford "Not" to do it. He also suggested a private tutor but I really think we should let DS try this, especially since he asked specifically for this program.

I'm so impressed that he has asked for help - it's a big step for him. So next week at this time - we'll be testing!

 

[binny]

bumping an old thread to ask for more help.

I have got to get some help for DS10 to help get more organized and disciplined in his work.

I would LOVE any ideas and would love to hear how it went for you, BriarFox?

 

[4greatboys]

I would contact the school as well for a list of tutors. Many schools have teachers that tutor in the afternoon or evenings and some schools have other students that tutor, like high school kids. One of my sons had a tutor at his middle school. It was so convenient to have her right there and since she taught at the school she was familiar with the methods they used at that school.

 

[binny]

Thanks Deena!

I will look into it. Its more that he needs help with his study habits than the actual tutoring. he can DO the work just fine, its just trying to stay on task that he has issues with.

I think Im going to make an appointment to see his school counselor and talk with her about as well.


She has an intern there this year... I wonder if he would be interested.

 

[Dislifer]

We liked it, but it is not a quick fix. Plan on investing some time as well as money!

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

My DS loved Sylvan. We took him 2 times a week through the summer to work on his writing. It really helped his self confidence. The initial testing they did uncovered a visual tracking problem that he had not been diagnosed for. After a trip to the eye doctor and a set of glasses - he made really good progress. He seems to be doing well in school - so far we aren't seeing any of the problems that he struggled with last year.

It was definately worth the time and money - for us a tutor wouldn't have helped as much due to the vision problems.

 

[binny]

Thanks! Sounds like you had a good experiance